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Our Stories

News and insights from The Night Ministry community.

The Night Ministry Street Medicine visits a tent encampment. The number of unsheltered Chicagoans is growing.
New Data Show Homelessness Rising in Chicago and the United States
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
How The Night Ministry Is Responding By Carol J. Sharp, MPAPresident & CEO With homelessness reaching record highs in the United States and in Chicago, The Night Ministry stands committed to providing the evidence-based services and resources that help our vulnerable neighbors survive and overcome their current life circumstances. The U.S. Depa...
Health Outreach Services Manager Juan Roca provides a winter coat to Bolo, a client at the CTA Howard Street Red Line stop.
Winter Can Be Deadly for Unhoused Individuals. Here’s How We Help
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, people experiencing homelessness are nearly 40 times more likely to die from cold exposure compared to the general population. With winter nearly here, The Night Ministry is gearing up to help our unhoused neighbors survive another season of snow and cold temperatures. "Inclement weather poses ...
The Night Ministry in the News
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
Our work serving our unhoused neighbors in Chicago has been in the news this month. Here are a few of our appearances. Our President & CEO, Carol J. Sharp, joined WGN-TV's Daytime Chicago to talk about how we support Chicago's unhoused residents during inclement weather and throughout the year. Watch the conversation and learn about our extende...
“I love The Night Ministry,” says entrepreneur Kay’Chanel, who benefited from the agency’s services while experiencing homelessness as a pregnant young mother.
"They Changed the Trajectory of My Life." Entrepreneur Reflects on Her Time with The Night Ministry
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
Kay'Chanel was 16, expecting a child, and experiencing housing instability when she came to stay at The Night Ministry's shelter for pregnant and parenting mothers. Now, 14 years later, she is a successful entrepreneur who credits the organization with helping her realize her dreams. "It wasn't what I expected," Kay'Chanel recalls about her first i...
Yolanda outside the encampment where she lived for more than two years. Photo by Lloyd DeGrane for WTTW
Yolanda's Story: "For a Whole Year, They Took Care of Me"
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
Yolanda has a generous spirit. Even when she was struggling, living under a bridge by the Chicago River, she looked out for those around her, sharing resources like the BBQ meals she grilled. "You need something to eat? Come around here, and I'm going to feed you," she recalls telling her neighbors she shared an encampment with. "When I was growing...
Congratulations to The Night Ministry's Associate Board for a tremendously successful Night Lights!
Night Lights Raises $107K+ for Unhoused Youth
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
Congratulations to The Night Ministry's Associate Board! They raised more than $107,000 to support Chicago's unhoused young people at the Night Lights event held at Marshall's Landing on Thursday, October 10. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Crib, our overnight shelter for young adults. Last year, The Crib provided safe shelter and sup...
The Night Ministry's Sylvester Farmer provides a meal to a Health Outreach Bus visitor in Gompers Park.
The Night Ministry’s Outreach in Gompers Park
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
In fulfilling our mission to serve Chicago's unhoused residents, The Night Ministry regularly conducts outreach among the individuals living in Gompers Park on Chicago's Northwest Side. Our Street Medicine Team and Health Outreach Bus visit the site to offer critical resources such as free health care and case management services. The latter includ...
Pathways participants Silvono and Chris display their apartment keys as they settle into their new home.
“I’m Excited to Have a Place of My Own.” Young Adults Transition from Shelter to Apartment Living
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
It's 10 a.m. on a beautiful Sunday in September, and residents of The Night Ministry's Pathways Transitional Living Program for young adults have gathered for a special brunch to mark a momentous occasion. After weeks of planning and anticipation, today, they are making a giant stride on their paths to greater stability: moving into apartments. "We...
Tragedy on the CTA
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
We are heartbroken by the murder of four of our fellow citizens on the CTA's Blue Line on Monday. We join the victims' families, friends, and the entire community in mourning the senseless loss of their lives. Everyone, regardless of their housing status, has the right to live their life in safety. The heinous act of violence is painfully relevant ...
JT's Sandwich Shop owner Chris Cunningham
JT’s Supports Our Mission One Delicious Sandwich at a Time
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
Did you know that grabbing lunch on Tuesdays in Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood can benefit The Night Ministry? For the last four years, JT's Genuine Sandwich Shop on North Elston has supported our mission with a generous one-dollar donation from every sale of their delicious Breaded Pork Tenderloin sandwich on Tuesdays. "I appreciate everything...
Denishe shared her story at The Night Ministry’s Lighting Up the Night Gala in May.
The Night Ministry Became My Haven
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
By Denishe Medeline Mberi, Graduate of The Night Ministry's Youth Housing Programs and Social Media Influencer On February 14, 2020, I wrote the following: "My life is falling apart. I feel anxious yet look calm, I feel sad yet tell everyone otherwise. I know that I am broken, but I can't seem to find the glue to put myself back together. I want to...
The Night Ministry Street Medicine Van in downtown Chicago. Team members have been assisting residents of an encampment closed by the City of Chicago on July 17.
How We Are Assisting Residents of the Desplaines Encampment
burke@thenightministry.org
Announcements
July 17, 2024 The Night Ministry is among the Chicago organizations that have been conducting outreach with the residents of the tent encampment at Roosevelt and Desplaines that the City of Chicago closed on July 17, 2024. The City requested our help with this process as The Night Ministry has established relationships with many of the encampment r...

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The Night Ministry is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Our Federal Tax ID (EIN) is 36-3145764.